Building the Education State in Ivanhoe

Students in the electorate of Ivanhoe are big winners in the Andrews Labor Government’s first Education State Budget.

Viewbank College will receive $11.5 million towards a new performing arts centre, music classrooms and administration facilities.

The Labor Government has used its first Education State Budget to inject a massive $730 million back into school infrastructure to build and upgrade schools across the State, ensuring students are educated in the school environments they deserve.

Under an extensive and re-vitalised school’s building program, scores of Victorian government schools will be renovated, refurbished and rebuilt, new schools will be constructed and brand-new relocatable classrooms will be delivered to meet demand at growing schools.

The Budget will fund the first stage of an extensive asbestos removal program so that families can be assured their children are being educated in safe schools.

It also includes $120 million to build and upgrade Catholic and independent schools across the state, matching dollar-for-dollar the non-government sector’s contribution.

St Martin of Tours Primary School in Rosanna will receive up to $1.5 million from this fund delivering on our election commitment. This will fund nine new classrooms for grade one and two students and an art room. Thisis great news for the families of over 500 students who attend this localschool. It is part of a $3 million redevelopment.

Other Budget commitments include:

Funding for the technical schools program for planning and first stage of construction. A new technical school will be built in Banyule

$35 million for more than 120 brand new relocatable classrooms to meet the demand of schools bursting at the seams

More than $25 million in extra funding for school maintenance

$10 million for an Inclusive Schools Package to provide additional infrastructure and equipment to support students with disabilities at schools across the state

Quotes attributable to the Member for Ivanhoe, Anthony Carbines:

“We can measure the quality of our education system by the quality of our government schools – which is why I am delighted to see Viewbank College receiving funding for vital improvements.

“The Andrews Labor Government is transforming Victoria into the Education State so that all children have access to high-quality schools regardless of their background and where they live.”

Quote attributable to the Minister for Education, James Merlino:

“This is the biggest education Budget ever, because Victorian students deserve nothing less.”